Olivier Rousteing has been officially named the new creative director of Rabanne, marking “a significant new step in Rabanne’s evolution,” the Puig-owned fashion house announced on Tuesday. The former creative director of Balmain, who stepped down in November 2025 after 14 years, will present his first show for the house at Paris Fashion Week in March, for the Fall/Winter 2027 season. He takes over from Julien Dossena, who left the brand after 13 years.
“Joining Rabanne is a tremendous honor. This is a house that has always challenged convention, turning bold ideas into creations that have shaped fashion history. Its spirit of innovation, craftsmanship, and fearless creativity has inspired generations, and today it inspires me,” Rousteing said in a statement.
He also acknowledged Dossena’s “remarkable creative legacy.” “His vision has redefined the house for a new generation while staying deeply respectful of its pioneering spirit. I have great admiration for what he has built and for the powerful dialogue he created between Rabanne’s heritage and contemporary fashion.”
Read More: After 13 Years, Julien Dossena and Rabanne Part Ways By Laure Guilbault
Ana Trias, president of prestige and fashion brands at Puig, added: “Olivier Rousteing’s creative vision is bold, magnetic, and deeply connected to the energy of today. His unique ability to create fashion that celebrates confidence and self-expression makes him a natural choice for Rabanne. With Olivier, we are opening a new chapter for the house.”
The announcement came unexpectedly on Bastille Day, France’s national holiday. In the portrait, Rousteing holds Rabanne’s iconic chainmail in one hand, made of silver metal mesh, with a pen and notebook on the table in front of him.
Rousteing’s time at Balmain was defined by a bold, intricately detailed aesthetic that seems well-suited to a house known for its iconic metallic dress. Now 40, he already has 15 years of experience as a creative director: when he took the Balmain job in 2011, he became the youngest non-founding designer to lead a major Paris house since Yves Saint Laurent was appointed at Dior.
Spanish fashion designer Paco Rabanne with model Isabel Feldel, who is wearing one of his elaborate metallic creations in 1967 (left), and the iconic Rabanne chainmail held by Olivier Rousteing (right). Photos: Reg Lancaster/Express/Getty Images, Francesca Beltran
During his tenure, Rousteing spearheaded the creation of the ‘Balmain Army,’ a diverse and influential community of models, influencers, and celebrities that included figures like the Kardashians. In a celebrity-driven era, he brings both his relationships and social media influence to Rabanne. Rousteing has 9.4 million Instagram followers, while Rabanne has 1.9 million.
There’s also his strong track record of growth: during his time at Balmain, the house saw a tenfold increase in revenue. Plus, Rousteing has already worked with a Puig-owned house—though only for one couture season—as a guest designer for Jean Paul Gaultier in 2022.
The announcement comes after Rousteing made a highly anticipated return in May to create a custom gown for Beyoncé at the Met Gala. The dress featured a skin-toned mesh base with a diamond skeleton design that extended all the way to her fingers.
Rabanne is a key brand for Puig, so the stakes are high. The group first entered fragrance licensing in 1968 with the launch of a Paco Rabanne scent that helped the company expand internationally. In 1987, Puig took over the entire Paco Rabanne brand, including its fashion and accessories division.
Rabanne was the first Puig brand to surpass €1 billion in sales in 2023, boosted by its best-selling fragrances 1 Million, Invictus, and Fame. Although fashion is a much smaller part of Rabanne’s business, it plays a key role by creating a halo effect that is essential for building brand value. “Fragrance is about storytelling, and fashion provides inspiration. You either own it or you don’t, but either way, it has to.””Be cool,” says TD Cowen analyst Oliver Chen.
Olivier Rousteing at the 2026 Met Gala.
Photo: Mike Coppola/Getty Images
According to Rabanne’s announcement, the house will continue under Rousteing’s creative direction “to expand its universe through new product categories, further shaping a comprehensive ecosystem where fashion, beauty, and innovation exist in constant dialogue.”
Rousteing’s appointment comes at a time of growing competition, renewed creative energy across major fashion houses, and a slower industry recovery than many expected. After merger talks between Estée Lauder Companies and Puig fell through, there’s pressure to scale up Puig’s existing portfolio. Sales at Puig’s fragrance and fashion division, which includes Rabanne, rose 3.9% to €897 million in Q1 2026. The company says this is a solid performance against a tough comparison base from Q1 2025, amid a moderating market.
The house also has a new management team in place. Jean-Jacques Guével quietly joined as general manager of Rabanne’s fashion business in September 2024, and Renaud de Lesquen was appointed president of Rabanne One Brand in April 2026, meaning he will lead both fashion and beauty operations. De Lesquen spent 12 years at LVMH, most recently serving as CEO of Givenchy from 2020 to 2024. Before joining LVMH, he held roles at L’Oréal.
“For me, fashion is about emotion, identity, and the confidence to express who we truly are. That belief feels deeply connected to Paco Rabanne and his enduring vision of freedom and individuality,” Rousteing added. “I look forward to working alongside the remarkable teams of the house to honor this unique legacy while shaping a future that is bold, inspiring, and open to new possibilities.”
Correction: This article was updated to confirm that Jean-Jacques Guével joined in September 2024. An earlier version stated it was September 2025 (14/7/26).
Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of FAQs about Olivier Rousteing becoming the new creative director of Rabanne
General Beginner Questions
1 Who is Olivier Rousteing
Hes a famous French fashion designer who spent over a decade as the creative director of Balmain Hes known for his bold glamorous designs and his huge social media presence
2 Wait what happened to the old creative director of Rabanne
The previous creative director Julien Dossena left the brand after ten very successful years Rabanne decided to bring in Olivier Rousteing for a fresh new chapter
3 When will Olivier Rousteings first collection for Rabanne come out
His debut collection will be shown during Paris Fashion Week in September 2025 for the SpringSummer 2026 season
4 Is Rabanne the same as Paco Rabanne
Yes The brand was originally called Paco Rabanne but it recently dropped Paco and is now simply known as Rabanne
5 Why is this a big deal for Rabanne
Its a major shift Rousteing is a huge name in fashion and hes known for bringing a modern celebritydriven energy to brands This signals that Rabanne wants to become even bigger and more mainstream
Advanced Industry Questions
6 How is Olivier Rousteings style different from Rabannes classic look
Rabanne is famous for its futuristic metallic chainmail dresses Rousteing is known for superstructured embellished and Instagrammable glamour The challenge will be blending his love of opulence with Rabannes edgy spaceage DNA
7 What does this mean for Balmain his old brand
Balmain has already announced a new creative team to take over Rousteings departure was amicable and Balmain is moving in a different direction
8 Will Rabannes iconic metal chainmail dresses change
Probably but they wont disappear Rousteing is a huge fan of craftsmanship Expect to see chainmail but maybe reimagined with new colors shapes or mixed with his signature bold embroidery